Implantable prosthetic device for connection to a fluid flow pathway of a patient

ABSTRACT

An implantable prosthetic for connection to a fluid flow pathway of a patient. The prosthetic is comprised of a primary tube structure which is in communication with a plurality of secondary tube structures each of which contains filters for trapping embolic particles, such as blood clots, air bubbles, thrombus. etc. within a fluid flow pathway within a patient. The prosthetic also contains a monitoring device to non-invasively the flow of fluids through a patient&#39;s fluid flow pathway.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/039,835, which was filed on Jan. 24, 2005 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 7,963,989 on Jun. 21, 2011, the contents of which areincorporated entirely herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a implantable prosthetic device for connectionto the fluid flow pathway of a patient, and more particularly to aimplantable prosthetic device containing a plurality of tube structureshaving a filter for trapping objects such as embolic particles.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Increasing numbers and types of intralumenal procedures are beingperformed on medical patients. For example, there are intravascularblood flow measurement procedures, intravascular atherectomy procedures,intravascular drug therapy procedures, balloon angioplasty procedures,intravascular stent installation procedures, and even intravascularcoronary bypass procedures (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,178 toGoldsteen, et al. which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety). A concern commonly encountered in all these techniques is theaccidental release of portions of the clots, plague, thrombus, debris,gas bubbles, or other embolic particulates, resulting in emboli whichcan lodge elsewhere in the vascular system. The creation and release ofembolic particles can also occur spontaneously, absent medicalintervention, especially in patients with blood-clotting disorders, suchas phlebitis. Such emboli may be extremely dangerous to the patient, andmay result in myocardial infarction, stroke, or limb ischemia.

Various devices have been developed to decrease the risk of embolism inpatients during such procedures or suffering from such medicalconditions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,525 to Bachinski, et al.discloses a single bodily fluid filter with an elastic tubular frameworkthat can be installed intralumenally to trap embolic particles in abodily fluid conduit. However, since this device consists of a singlefilter, it does not provide for an alternative fluid flow path in theevent that the filter becomes clogged.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,579 to Tsugita discloses a guidewire insertablewithin a guiding catheter which allows for the temporary placement of afilter in an artery or vein to capture atherosclerotic plaques and/orthrombi to capture embolic particles generated during endovascularprocedures. This device, however, is designed only to capture embolicparticles dislodged during the course of medical procedures and cannotbe surgically implanted into a fluid flow pathway for long-termprotection against naturally occurring emobolic particles.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,681 Herweck et al. discloses a polyumenalimplantable organ for sustained release of a bioactive material into afluid flow pathway of a patient. The device comprises a body whichdefines a multiplicity of capillary lumina and is adapted for connectionto the patient's fluid flow pathway to establish fluid flow through thecapillary lumina. By seeding selected lumina of the device with abioactive material, such as a therapeutic agent, diagnostic agent, etc.for contact with the body fluid, such as blood, the fluid can be treatedas it passes through the device. This device does not provide a means bywhich embolic particles are filtered within the fluid flow pathway, andthus, does not serve to decrease a patient's risk of stroke, pulmonaryembolism or other potentially deadly medical condition.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,976 to Herweck et al. discloses a vascularprosthesis comprising a plurality of parallel tube structures which areattached to one another over at least a portion of their longitudinalaxis to form a branched arterial or venous graft for capable of beingimplanted without the necessity of suturing two grafts together. Thetube structures of this device, however, do not comprise filteringdevices for capturing hazardous embolic particles within a patient'sfluid flow pathway.

Obviously, there are still major disadvantages associated with theexisting technology which must be overcome. Specifically, the presentday technology fails to provide patients with long-term protectionagainst the potentially fatal conditions that result from blocked fluidflow pathways, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and ischemia. Untilnow, there have been no implantable prosthetic devices containingmultiple fluid flow pathways and filtering mechanisms to ensure theadequacy of the fluid flow within a patient capable of overcoming thistechnological shortfall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device whichdecreases the instances of stroke, embolism, and other potentiallyharmful effects associated with the presence of foreign particles withinthe fluid flow pathway of a patient.

It is another object of the invention provide an implantable prostheticdevice for connection to the fluid flow pathway of a patient that helpsto maintain long-term adequate flow of fluids through fluid flowpathways by filtering foreign particles and providing a means formonitoring the blood flow through the device.

A first aspect of the invention is a primary tube structure having aproximal end, a distal end, and a wall, wherein the wall defines aninterior lumen of predetermined diameter. The primary tube structure isfurcated at a predefined position between the proximal end and distalend of the primary tube structure into a plurality of secondary tubestructures. The secondary tube structures comprise a wall which definesan interior lumen of predetermined diameter. The interior lumen definedby the wall of the primary tube structure is in communication with theinterior lumen defined by the secondary tube structures. The lumen ofeach of the tube structure contains a filter.

The primary tube structure and secondary tube structures have abiocompatible exterior surface and are preferably composed ofpolytetrafluoroethylene selected from the group consisting of expandedtetrafluoroethylene, stretched polytetrafluoroethylene, and stretchedand expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The primary tube structure andsecondary tube structures may also consist of a copolymeric material.

The filter positioned within the secondary tube structures is comprisedof a frame and a porous covering coupled to the frame such that theporous covering covers the space defined by the frame. The pore size ofthe porous covering is preferably about 20 to about 300 microns andcomposed of a flexible polymeric material such as polyurethane,polyethylene or a copolymer thereof capable of stretching to achieve thediameter of a fluid flow pathway. In a preferred embodiment, the filtersmay be removed from the secondary tube structures for cleaning orreplacement. The primary tube structure may also include a fluid flowmonitoring device to ensure the operability of the invention.

In a second aspect of the invention provided is a method for insertingthe implantable prosthetic device as described into a predefinedlocation within a patient by surgically exposing a predefined region forinsertion of the implantable prosthetic device and securing the devicewithin the predefined region.

In a third aspect of the invention provided is a method ofnon-invasively monitoring fluid flow through an implantable prostheticconnected to a fluid flow pathway of a patient. This method comprisesthe steps of locating an external anatomical area on a patient proximatethe situs of an implantable prosthetic device implanted within a fluidflow pathway of the patient and

detecting fluid flow through said implantable prosthetic deviceimplanted within a patient's fluid flow pathway using a fluid flowmonitoring device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the an implantable prostheticprosthesis;

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a blood flow monitoring devicecomprising a thin wire filament in the presence of decreased blood flow;

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a blood flow monitoring device ofFIG. 2A in the presence of increased blood flow;

FIG. 2C is a schematic illustration of another blood flow monitoringdevice comprising a thin wire filament in the presence of decreasedblood flow;

FIG. 2D is a schematic illustration of the blood flow monitoring deviceof FIG. 2C in the presence of increased blood flow; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a blood flow monitoring devicecomprising a impeller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Strokes result from a sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockageor rupture of a blood vessel to the brain and is often characterized byloss of muscular control, diminution or loss of sensation orconsciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that varywith the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The implantableprosthetic device, the preferred embodiments of which are hereindisclosed and described is designed to decrease the instances ofstrokes, and other embolic events, such as pulmonary embolisms andischemia in a patient by providing multiple pathway for the flow offluids within a patient and a non-invasive method of monitoring thecontinued proper function of the device.

In a first embodiment, an implantable vascular prosthesis for connectionto the vascular pathway of a patient is provided as depicted in FIG. 1.Vascular prosthesis 10 includes a primary tube structure 12 defined by aproximal end A, a distal end B and a wall which separates thelongitudinally exterior surface of primary tube structure 12 from theinterior lumen. For purposes of describing the invention, it is hereinassumed that when vascular prosthetic device 10 is implanted asdescribed below, blood flows from the proximal end A of primary tubestructure 12 towards the distal end B of primary structure 12, as shownby arrows in the accompanying figures. The wall of primary tubestructure 12 defines a longitudinally exterior surface and an interiorlumen of predetermined diameter. Primary tube structure 12 is furcatedat a predefined position into a plurality of secondary tube structures14, each of which is defined by a wall and interconnected to primarytube structure 12 such as to allow fluids to flow uninterruptedly fromprimary tube structure 12 into secondary tube structures 14. Note thatthe angles at which secondary tube structures interest with primary tubestructures is illustrated as being exaggerated for clarity. Such anglespreferably would be suitably set to avoid turbulent flow of blood. Eachof secondary tube structures 14 houses a filter 16 operative to trapembolic particles, e.g., blood clots, thrombus, debris, gas bubbles, orother particles that could possibly cause a debilitating embolism,including a stroke within the patient. The term “furcated” as usedherein refers to branching, dividing, joining, or other connectionsbetween primary tube structure 12 and plural secondary tube structures14.

FIG. 2A-2D each illustrate filter 16 positioned within one of the ofsecondary tube structures 14. The filter in the other secondary tubestructure can be similar. Filters 16 are preferably comprised of a frame22 and a porous covering 24 coupled to frame 22 such that porouscovering 24 covers the space defined by the frame. Frame 22 ispreferably removably attached to the inside wall of secondary tubestructures 14 such that entirety of filters 16 can be detached andremoved from implantable vascular prosthesis 10 in the event it becomesclogged, dirty, or damaged, and needs to be cleaned or replaced.

In operation, the surgeon surgically exposes the desired region forintroduction of vascular prosthesis 10. The desired site may be an areaof occlusion or weakness in the patient's arteriovascular system, forexample. An interruption of the patient's blood flow is performed in aknown manner and vascular prosthesis is surgically implanted, sutured orotherwise secured in the desired location. Proper positioning of theprosthesis requires alignment of the lumen with the appropriate bloodflow pathway such that the patient's blood flow is diverted through thelumen of primary tube structure 12. Once diverted into the lumen ofprimary tube structure 12 the blood is directed into one of thesecondary tube structures containing filters 16. Any mobile embolicparticles contained within the blood are trapped by filters 16, and theblood flow, now substantially devoid of embolic particles, continues inits course. If one of the of filters 16 become clogged, blood flow iscontinues through the another secondary tube structures 14 in anunhindered manner. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the longer ofeach secondary tube structures 14 is equivalent to that of the lumen ofprimary tube structure 12. Accordingly, even a single fully cloggedfilter 16 will not substantially prohibit or limit normal blood flow.

Filters 16 are designed such that they may be removed from secondarytube structures 14, if so desired, for cleaning, repair or replacement.Note the tube structures can be repaired or replaced. To do so, bloodflow can be stopped through the appropriate structure, with a clamp orthe like, and blood can flow through the other tube structures duringthe procedure without adversely affecting the patient.

Implantable vascular prosthesis 10 preferably comprises a device thatindicates the blood flow through filters 16 which allows one todetermine whether blood is passing through any one particular filters16. The means by which the blood flow is measured is dependent on thetype of device employed and may consist of devices which facilitateeither visual and/or aural monitoring of a patients blood flow. FIG. 2Aillustrates one such blood flow indicator which consists of a thin wirefilament 26 consisting of at least two prongs. In its resting state, thetwo prongs of thin wire filament 26 are biased in opposite directions,as shown in FIG. 2A. When subjected to pressures created by blood flow,thin wire filaments 26 are forced together, as shown in FIG. 2B. Thinwire filament 26 is preferably coupled to the distal side of filters 16,such that when filter 16 is clogged by embolic particulates on itsproximate side, the decrease in blood flow through filter 16 can bedetected by visually observing the position of the two prongs of thinwire filament 26 in respect to one another using x-ray photography,magnetic resonance imaging or any other known imaging technique. Agreater degree of separation between the two prongs of wire filament 26indicates a corresponding decrease in blood flow in the associatedsecondary tube structures 14. By observing the position of thin wirefilm 26 associated with each secondary tube structures 14, one candetermine which, if any, of filters are clogged or becoming clogged.

FIG. 2C illustrates another blood flow indicator which consists of athin wire filament 26 that is normally curved. When subjected topressures created by blood flow, thin wire filament 26 is straightened,as shown in FIG. 2D. Thin wire filament 26 is preferably coupled to thedistal side of filters 16, such that when filter 16 is clogged byembolic particulates on its proximate side, the decrease in blood flowthrough filter 16 can be detected by visually observing the curve, orlack thereof using x-ray photography, magnetic resonance imaging or anyother known imaging technique. A greater degree of curvature of filament26 indicates a corresponding decrease in blood flow in the associatedsecondary tube structures 14. By observing the position of thin wirefilm 26 associated with each secondary tube structures 14, one candetermine which, if any, of filters are clogged or becoming clogged.

Any imaging or sensing technique can be used to determine thestatus/position of the filaments. For example, x-ray imaging, magneticresonance imaging or other imaging techniques can be used. Further, theblood flow indicator can have a detectable magnetic signature thatpermits blood flow detection using a magnetic induction or othermagnetic sensor. Further RF sensors can be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates another blood flow indicator 30 comprising a frame 32removably attached to the inside wall of secondary tube structures 14and a impeller 34 which is rotatably attached to the inside of frame 32.Impeller 34 is set into either a clockwise or counterclockwise spin bythe force of a patient's blood flow. The speed or relative degree ofpatient's blood flow can be determined by, for example, listening toaudible signals created from the spinning of impeller 34. A weak audiblesignal indicates decreased blood flow, suggesting filter 16 associatedwith a secondary tube structures 14 may be clogged. A stronger, moreaudible signal indicates that the blood is flowing through filter 16 ata rate relative to the audible signal produced. As with filter 16, theblood flow indicator may be removed, if necessary, for cleaning, repairor replacement. The blood flow indicator may also be any known devicefor capable of emitting sounds corresponding to a given amount of bloodflow within a fluid flow pathway. For instance, the blood flow indicatormay consist of a valve or a plurality of valves, an impeller device, orany other known device capable of emitting specified soundscorresponding to a given amount of blood flow. Accordingly, depending onthe type of blood flow indicator employed, any means of directly orindirectly monitoring blood flow can be used. For example, any type ofimaging (e.g., x-ray photography, magnetic resonance imaging, etc.)audible sensing (e.g. stethoscope), magnetic induction sensing or otherdetection mechanism can be used to externally and non-invasively monitorthe blood flow indicator. Further, the blood flow indicator can have adetectable magnetic signature that permits blood flow detection using amagnetic sensor. Further RF sensors can be used.

Note that in FIG. 3, impeller 34 is upstream, i.e. proximal, withrespect to filter 16. This provides an added degree of safety. In theevent that portions of impeller 34 break loose, they will be caught byfilter 16 and not enter travel through the patients blood stream.However, impeller 34 can be positioned downstream of filter 34 ifdesired.

Primary tube structures 12 and secondary tube structures 16 can bemanufactured from various biocompatible materials. For example, Teflon®brand polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded tetrafluoroethylene,stretched polytetrafluoroethylene, and stretched and expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene is suitable for use with the invention. Polymeralloys are suitable as well. Dacron® brand polyester fiber, mandrel spunpolyurethane, and silicone elastomer fibers are also well suited for usewith the invention. Copolymeric materials can also be utilized.

The internal diameter of the lumen of the primary tube structure and/orthe secondary tube structures depends upon the intended use of each tubestructure. In general, lumina having internal diameters of from about 3mm to about 24 mm are useful as vascular grafts. For example, a tubestructure intended for insertion in the arterial pathway can have alumen internal diameter of from about 6 mm to about 18 mm. A tubestructure for insertion in a venous pathway can have a lumen internaldiameter from about 12 mm to about 24 mm. The outer diameter of the tubestructures is generally not related to the internal lumen diameter. Thethickness of the lumen walls will vary depending on the type of vasculargraft. Generally, an arterial graft will require thicker walls than avenous graft. However, exact dimensions will depend on the specificpurpose and environment in which the prosthetic device is employed.

Porous covering 24 may be made from any number of suitable materials,and is preferably made from a flexible polymeric material withelastomeric properties chosen from a group consisting of polyurethane,polyethylene or a co-polymer thereof. Porous covering 24 may alsocomprise any number of and configuration of pores and preferablycomprises regularly-spaced holes wherein the pore size is from about 20microns to about 300 microns. However, the pore size can be any sizesuitable for the intended purpose and environment in which the filter isused. Further, any filter structures can be used.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, theimplantable prosthetic device as disclosed as the preferred embodimentsis not limited to use in the vascular system, but may also be employedin other fluid flow pathways, as well, including those within apatient's gastrointestinal system. The present embodiments are thereforeto be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims ratherthan the foregoing description, and all changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claim are therefore intended tobe embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for inserting an implantable prostheticdevice for connection to a fluid flow pathway of a patient, comprisingthe steps of: identifying a fluid flow pathway of a patient; surgicallyexposing a first region of said fluid flow pathway for insertion of animplantable prosthetic device; securing a proximal end of saidimplantable prosthetic device to said first region of said fluid flowpathway, said implantable prosthetic device extending from said proximalend to a distal end, said implantable prosthetic device including aproximal structure at said proximal end, a distal structure at saiddistal end, and a furcated structure disposed between said proximalstructure and said distal structure, said proximal structure and saiddistal structure only including a respective single tube, said furcatedstructure including a plurality of tubes, said single tube of saidproximal structure being connected to each of said plurality of tubes ofsaid furcated structure to allow flow from said single tube of saidproximal structure to each of said plurality of tubes of said furcatedstructure, each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structurebeing connected to said single tube of said distal end to allow flowfrom each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure to saidsingle tube of said distal end; surgically exposing a second region ofsaid fluid flow pathway; and securing said distal end of saidimplantable prosthetic device to said second region of said fluid flowpathway, wherein said implantable prosthetic device, when secured tosaid fluid flow pathway, introduces said furcated structure between saidfirst region and second region of said fluid flow pathway, and fluidflows through said first region of said fluid flow pathway into saidsingle tube of said proximate structure, said plurality of tubes of saidfurcated structure, and said single tube of said distal structure andback into said fluid flow pathway at said second region of said fluidflow pathway, said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure andsaid single tube of said distal structure only receiving fluid thatflows through said single tube of said proximate structure, and saidsingle tube of said proximate structure has a first cross-sectional areathat is substantially equivalent to a respective cross-sectional area ofat least one of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein said implantable prosthetic deviceincludes a biocompatible exterior surface.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein said single tube of said proximate structure, said plurality oftubes of furcated structure, and said single tube of said distalstructure consist of polytetrafluoroethylene.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein said polytetrafluoroethylene is selected from the groupconsisting of expanded tetrafluoroethylene, stretchedpolytetrafluoroethylene, and stretched and expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said singletube of said proximate structure, said plurality of tubes of saidfurcated structure, and said single tube of said distal structureconsist of copolymeric material.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein afilter is disposed in each of said plurality of tubes of said furcatedstructure, and said filter is comprised of a frame and a porous coveringcoupled to said frame such that said porous covers the space defined bysaid frame.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the pore size of saidporous covering is about 20 to about 300 microns.
 8. The method of claim6, wherein the said porous covering is a flexible polymeric materialcomprising regularly-spaced holes therein.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein said flexible polymeric material is chosen from the groupconsisting of polyurethane, polyethylene or a copolymer thereof.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein said flexible polymeric material is anelastomeric material capable of stretching to achieve the diameter of afluid flow pathway.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a filter isdisposed in each of said plurality of tubes of said furcated structure,and said filter is removable.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein each ofsaid plurality of tubes of said furcated structure includes at least onefluid flow indicator.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said at leastone fluid flow indicator is a thin wire filament.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein said at least one fluid flow indicator is an impeller.